October 2, 2025
Be it resolved, that the League of Women Voters of Vermont does hereby expresses its sincere appreciation to Vermont’s Chief Election Officer and Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, for championing the importance of keeping our democracy accessible for all Vermonters by safeguarding our voter data and voting rights.
Whereas, in her public statement on August 13, 2025, Secretary Copeland Hanzas clarified that her office has no plans to share Vermont voter data with the Federal government as it is specifically prohibited by Vermont law and the US Constitution gives states the authority to conduct elections not Federal agencies.
Whereas, in her public statement on August 18, 2025, Secretary Copeland Hanzas reiterated that the U.S. Constitution grants states’ control over elections and only Congress has the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not authorize the president or the executive branch. Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution.
Whereas, Secretary Copeland Hanzas made it clear that mail-in ballots are a secure way to vote, and boost voter turnout by letting more people vote from home. After Vermont introduced its first universal vote-by-mail in the 2020 general election, over 70% of Vermonters have participated in presidential election years, with the majority of these votes being cast via mail-in ballots. An increase in voter participation in elections helps strengthen our democracy.
Whereas, Secretary Copeland Hanzas clarified that Vermont state law requires that paper ballots be kept for 22 months after a Federal Election. In the United States, 98% of Americans cast paper ballots.
Resolved, that the League of Women Voters of Vermont hereby express its sincere appreciation to Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, for her steadfast commitment to safeguarding voter information, the voting rights of Vermonters, and preserving the constitutional balance of power.
Witnessed by the League of Women Voters of Vermont this resolution has been adopted and signed on October 2, 2025 in observance of National Voter Education Week.
Pelin Kohn, President
The League of Women Voters of Vermont
The Secretary’s recent statement can be read here: https://sos.vermont.gov/secretarys-desk/commentary-press/
Link to the National Voter Education Week website: https://nationalvotereducationweek.org
